Why Watford should have signed Fulham’s Joe Bryan in January
In January, Daily Mail had claimed that Watford had made an enquiry to Fulham for left-back Joe Bryan. However, no deal materialised and the defender has since stayed put at Fulham.
Joe Bryan, 26, who joined Fulham from Bristol City in the summer of 2018, has been a regular fixture for Scott Parker’s side this season, managing 31 appearances so far. He has bagged a goal and six assists across all competitions.
The Englishman’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with the report adding that Southampton and Atalanta were also interested in him last month.
Meanwhile, Watford are reeling in the relegation zone, having won just once in their last five Premier League games. They have leaked goals at an alarming rate this season, with none of the defenders performing consistently.
Nigel Pearson also has problems in the left-back area, as Jose Holebas, 35, isn’t getting any younger. He has been in and out of the team due to injury problems, while Adam Masina is yet to convince.
For a relegation-threatened side that has conceded 40 goals in 26 games and has suffered from injury problems to key players this season, the Hornets should have brought in defensive reinforcements in January. And they should’ve also signed Joe Bryan.
As per WhoScored, Bryan has averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.9 clearances and 0.2 blocks. Going forward, he has scored a goal and supplied six assists in 30 Championship games. As far as Masina is concerned, he has averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 2.6 clearances and 0.6 blocks in 14 Premier League appearances. Going forward, he has scored just a goal. [Courtesy: WhoScored]
Though Masina has better numbers in certain areas, it has to be noted that he has played lesser than Bryan. Although not an instant upgrade on Masina (in terms of statistics), Bryan would have been a good option to add strength to the left-back position.
Verdict
Bryan has played very well for Fulham this season, although majorly in an advanced role. He could have added quality to the left-back position. Thus, the Hornets have missed a trick by not signing the Fulham star in January.
